Apparatus and Method for Sensory Adjustments in Electric Vehicles

Abstract

A method and apparatus enables modifying the electronic controls of EVs to mimic the sensory experience of driving a performance ICE car. The method and apparatus creates a sensory “virtual cockpit” with both electronic and mechanical enhancements for a sensory experience. By downloading and implementing the method and apparatus, one may mimic, for example, the vehicle dynamics, performance horsepower, torque curves, suspension settings, oversteer and understeer behavior, steering-wheel inputs, cabin sound, subtle cabin vibrations, and audio/visual cues via a graphical user interface. These simulations replicate, in an electric vehicle, the various aspects of an ICE vehicle to mimic the whole experience of driving various ICE performance vehicles.

1 . An apparatus for mimicking the operation of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle in an electric vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
 a software protocol configured to engage at least one onboard sensor in said electric vehicle; and   to configure a response to said at least one sensor; and   to communicate said response in the form of sensory stimuli to a driver of said electric vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a gear shift in said electric vehicle, electronically coupled to an electric vehicle electronic control unit, and further electronically coupled with a controller-area network; wherein 
 movement of said gear shift sends signals through said electronic control unit to said controller-area network to control aspects of said electric vehicle dynamics that mimic internal-combustion-vehicle transmission dynamics. 
 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a first actuator movably engaged with said gear shift along a first axis; and 
 said actuator provides resistance and guidance to mimic the feel of moving a gear shift in the internal-combustion-engine transmission. 
 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising:
 a second actuator movably engaged with said gear shift along a second axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis; wherein 
 said actuators mimic the play and engagement of internal-combustion-engine transmission gear-shifts. 
 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein:
 said first and second actuators are configured to create vibration to mimic the internal-combustion-engine transmission when mis-shifted, so as to mimic gear grinding when improper shifting has occurred. 
 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein:
 the apparatus is coupled with the electric vehicle controller-area network to control a sound system in said electric vehicle to mimic the sound of said internal-combustion-vehicle-transmission transitions from a low end of a gear to a high end of a gear. 
 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein:
 the apparatus is coupled with the electric vehicle controller-area network to control an electric motor and a sound system in said electric vehicle to mimic the torque curve and sound of said internal-combustion-vehicle transmission as it transitions from a low end of a gear to a high end of a gear. 
 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein:
 the apparatus is coupled with the electric vehicle controller-area network to control an electric motor and a sound system in said electric vehicle to mimic the horsepower curve and sound of said internal-combustion-vehicle transmission as it transitions from a low end of a gear to a high end of a gear. 
 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein:
 the apparatus is coupled with the electric vehicle controller-area network to control at least one motor in said electric vehicle to provide relatively less torque after movement of said gear shift and relatively greater torque as speed increases after movement of said gear shift. 
 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising:
 an after-market gear shift configured to be mounted in said electric vehicle having a shift lever pivotably engaged with a housing; and 
 electronic measurement equipment configured to track movement of said after-market gear shift is electronically coupled to, and sends signals through, the electronic-vehicle-electronic-control unit and is further electronically coupled with the electric vehicle controller area network; wherein 
 the after-market gear shift sends signals to the sound system of the electric vehicle to produce the sound of shifting an internal-combustion-engine transmission. 
 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein:
 said after-market gear shift is electronically coupled to said electronic control unit by way of OBD-II. 
 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein:
 said after-market gear shift is electronically coupled to said electronic control unit by way of Bluetooth connectivity. 
 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein:
 when not in use to mimic shifting an internal-combustion-engine transmission, the apparatus is coupled with the electric vehicle controller-area network to enable a user to set the control of features and functions of the electric vehicle depending on the position of the gear shift. 
 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a first actuator movably engaged with said gear shift along a first axis; and 
 a second actuator movably engaged with said gear shift along a second axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis; and 
 each actuator provides resistance and guidance to mimic the feel of moving a gear shift in the internal-combustion-engine transmission. 
 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein:
 said after-market shifter further functions to shift the gears of the electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein:
 said first actuator and said second actuator provide resistance to mimic the action of pushing down on the shifter to access a reverse gear. 
 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising:
 said gear shift is generally movable in an H-pattern. 
 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein:
 said actuators are configured to provide varying resistance to give haptic feedback to mimic the free movement and physical engagement of gears found in certain internal-combustion-engine transmissions. 
 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a linkage pivotally engaged with a clutch pedal, configured to be mounted proximal to accelerator and brake pedals in an electric vehicle, and 
 electronic measurement equipment configured to track movement of said clutch pedal is electronically coupled to, and sends signals through, the electric-vehicle electronic control unit, and is further electronically coupled to the electric-vehicle controller area network; wherein 
 movement of said clutch pedal sends signals through said electronic control unit to said controller-area network to control aspects of the electric vehicle functions. 
 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising:
 the apparatus is coupled with the electric vehicle controller-area network to control a sound system in said electric vehicle to mimic the sound of shifting gears in an internal combustion engine manual transmission, according to movement of the clutch pedal. 
 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising:
 a clutch actuator movably engaged with said linkage along a first axis; and 
 said actuator provides resistance to mimic the resistance of a similar clutch pedal in an internal-combustion-engine transmission when depressing said clutch, and vibration when releasing said clutch. 
 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising:
 said actuator provides resistance to mimic the free movement and engagement point of a similar clutch pedal in the internal-combustion-engine transmission. 
 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising:
 the linkage is coupled with the electric vehicle controller-area network to enable a user to set the control of features and functions of the electric vehicle, depending on the position of the clutch pedal. 
 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an electric vehicle chassis; and 
 a track fixedly engaged with a frame of said electric vehicle; and 
 a battery compartment movably engaged with said track; wherein 
 said battery compartment may be moved from front, to mid, to rear of the electric vehicle to mimic the effect of a front-engine, mid-engine, and rear-engine vehicle performance. 
 
     
     
         25 . The electric vehicle chassis of  claim 24  further comprising:
 linear-motion actuators fixedly engaged with said battery compartment and movably engaged with said track and electrically coupled with an electronic control unit within said electric vehicle; wherein 
 movement of said battery compartment is controlled by software uploaded to said electronic control unit. 
 
     
     
         26 . An electric vehicle chassis comprising:
 electronically adjustable suspension components in the suspension assembly of the electric vehicle;   wherein   roll bars may be adjusted to stiffen or loosen movement of each roll bar to mimic the road-feel of an ICE performance vehicle.   
     
     
         27 . The electric vehicle chassis of  claim 26  wherein:
 ball joints may be adjusted to stiffen or loosen movement of each ball joint to mimic the road feel of an ICE performance vehicle. 
 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising:
 electronically adjustable shock absorbers in the suspension assembly of the electric vehicle; wherein 
 said shock absorbers may be adjusted to stiffen or loosen movement of each shock absorber to mimic the road feel of an ICE performance vehicle. 
 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 28  wherein:
 said shock absorbers are each a rheological coupling. 
 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 28  wherein:
 suspension components in the suspension assembly of the electric vehicle are electronically adjustable; 
 wherein 
 electronically adjustable suspension components dynamically change vehicle caster, camber, toe and alignment to alter the vehicle performance dynamics. 
 
     
     
         31 . The electric vehicle chassis of  claim 30  wherein:
 suspension components are rheological couplings. 
 
     
     
         32 . A method for using the apparatus of  claim 24 , the method comprising:
 providing a referenced internal combustion-engine vehicle dynamic definition; and   providing a baseline electric-vehicle dynamics definition; and   modifying the electric-vehicle baseline vehicle-dynamics definition to match an internal-combustion-engine vehicle dynamics definition.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 providing a battery pack movably engaged with a track; and 
 providing said track fixedly engaged with a frame of said electric vehicle; and 
 changing the center of gravity of the electric vehicle by moving the battery pack about the track. 
 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 modifying the electric vehicle baseline vehicle dynamics definition by electronically controlling suspension components to match the vehicle alignment of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle alignment. 
 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 modifying the electric vehicle baseline vehicle-dynamics definition by electronically controlling suspension components to match the vehicle droop and compression of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle alignment. 
 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  further comprising:
 electronically controlling suspension components to match droop and compression of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle; and 
 adjusting actively to road conditions. 
 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35  further comprising:
 electronically controlling suspension components to match droop and compression of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle; and 
 adjusting static vehicle weight balance to the referenced internal combustion vehicle dynamic definition. 
 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 electronically controlling a motor in said electric vehicle to match engine-torque-curve parameters of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle. 
 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38  further comprising:
 utilizing torque-vectoring, individual wheel braking and acceleration to mimic internal-combustion-engine-vehicle dynamics. 
 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 electronically controlling a motor in said electric vehicle to match engine horsepower curve parameters of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle. 
 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 adjusting electric-vehicle-steering ratio to match steering-ratio parameters of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle. 
 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 adjusting electric-vehicle-steering weight to match steering-weight parameters of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle. 
 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 adjusting electric-vehicle-steering-assist parameters to match steering-assist parameters of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle. 
 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising:
 adjusting electric-vehicle-steering-lock to lock parameters to match steering lock to those of an internal-combustion-engine vehicle. 
 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a software compatible with and able to be uploaded to an electric-vehicle-control computer, including a mapping of the audio experience of an internal-combustion-engine performance vehicle; wherein 
 said software uses the electric vehicle sound system to play the sound of an internal-combustion-engine performance vehicle in response to user actions in the electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 45  wherein:
 said software is includes sounds mapped from a specific internal-combustion-engine performance vehicle; and 
 said software applies said sounds created by given actions performed in said internal combustion performance vehicle to similar actions performed in said electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 45  further comprising:
 vibratory actuators in communication with the cockpit of said electric vehicle; wherein 
 said vibratory actuators provide vibration, controlled by said software, to mimic vibrations in said internal-combustion-engine performance vehicle when given actions are performed, according to similar actions performed in said electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein:
 the vibratory actuator is a subwoofer/vibratory actuator. 
 
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein:
 eccentric-rotating-mass motor vibratory actuators fixedly engaged with the steering wheel of said electric vehicle; wherein 
 said vibratory actuators provide vibration, controlled by said software, to mimic vibrations in said internal-combustion-engine performance vehicle when given actions are performed, according to similar actions performed in said electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 47  further comprising:
 eccentric-rotating-mass-motor-vibratory actuators fixedly engaged with the floor of said electric vehicle; wherein 
 said vibratory actuators provide vibration, controlled by said software, to mimic vibrations in said internal-combustion-engine performance vehicle when a given user action is performed, according to a similar action performed in said electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         51 . A method for using the apparatus of  claim 45  wherein:
 mapping audio characteristics of an internal combustion performance vehicle; and 
 writing a software package including said audio characteristics; and 
 uploading said software to an electric vehicle controller-area network system; and 
 playing said audio characteristics through an audio system connected to said vehicle controller-area network system in said electric vehicle in response to user actions in said electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51  wherein:
 the audio system provides an audio experience to the interior of the electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 51  wherein:
 the audio system provides an audio experience to the exterior of the electric vehicle. 
 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 51 , said mapping further comprising:
 recording audio of said internal-combustion-performance vehicle driven in each gear of at least one speed and rate of acceleration; and   playing said audio when said electric vehicle is driven at the speed that is in the range of said each gear at said at least one rate of acceleration.   
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 51 , said mapping further comprising:
 recording audio of a turbocharger of said internal-combustion-performance vehicle at least one speed and rate of acceleration, and playing said audio through said audio system connected to said vehicle controller-area network.   
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 51 , said mapping further comprising:
 recording audio of a differential of said internal combustion performance vehicle at at least one speed and rate of acceleration; and playing said audio through said audio system connected to said vehicle controller area network.   
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 51 , said mapping further comprising:
 recording audio of a transmission of said internal combustion performance vehicle at least one speed and rate of acceleration; and playing said audio through said audio system connected to said vehicle controller area network.   
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 51 , said mapping further comprising:
 recording audio of tire noise of said internal combustion performance vehicle at least one speed and rate of acceleration; and playing said audio through said audio system connected to said vehicle controller area network.   
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 51 , said mapping further comprising:
 recording audio of wind noise of said internal combustion performance vehicle at least one speed, and playing said audio through said audio system connected to said vehicle controller-area network.   
     
     
         60 . The method of any of  claims 54-59 , further comprising:
 matching actual speed and rate of acceleration in said electric vehicle to specific sounds associated with the speed and rate of acceleration in an ICE performance vehicle recorded sounds.   
     
     
         61 . A method of using the apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 mapping ICE-performance-vehicle characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators; and 
 creating computer-generated, 3D-rendered animations of said dashboard indicators and actuators; and 
 uploading ICE-performance-vehicle characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators and said 3D-rendered animations thereof to an EV electronic control unit; and 
 displaying said 3D-rendered animations on said EV interior screens; and 
 assigning actions of 3D-rendered animations to EV characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators; wherein 
 engaging said 3D-rendered animations on said EV screens performs functions of said indicators and actuators. 
 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61  wherein:
 the ICE-performance-vehicle characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators are derived from a specific ICE vehicle make, model and year. 
 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 1  wherein:
 the ICE-performance-vehicle characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators are chosen by the user from a collection of ICE performance vehicles. 
 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63  wherein:
 dashboard indicators chosen by the user may be assigned electric vehicle functions by the user. 
 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 61  further comprising:
 engaging said 3D-rendered animations on a heads-up display configured to perform functions of said indicators and actuators. 
 
     
     
         66 . A method for using the apparatus of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 mapping ICE performance-vehicle dashboard characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators; and   creating computer-generated, 3D-rendered animations of said dashboard, including said indicators and actuators; and   uploading ICE-performance-vehicle characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators and said 3D-rendered animations thereof to an EV electronic-control unit; and   providing a holographic generator; and   displaying said 3D-rendered animations through said holographic generator proximal to said EV interior screens; and   assigning actions to 3D-rendered animations to EV characteristics relating to dashboard indicators and actuators; wherein   engaging said 3D-rendered holographic animations proximal to said EV screens performs functions of said indicators and actuators.   
     
     
         67 . A method for using the apparatus of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 mapping ICE performance-vehicle exterior image of each of an example ICE performance vehicle body panel; and   creating computer-generated, 3D-rendered images of each of said body panel; and   uploading computer-generated, 3D-rendered images to an EV electronic control unit; and   providing LCD surfaces on each electric vehicle body panel; and   displaying said 3D-rendered images to each corresponding electric vehicle body panel; wherein an image of an ICE performance vehicle is projected over the exterior surface of the electric vehicle.   
     
     
         68 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a heads-up display; and 
 an onboard camera configured to capture a road ahead of the electric vehicle; and 
 at least one sensor electronically coupled to the vehicle; and 
 a software program configured to gather information from said onboard camera and said at least one sensor; wherein 
 the software program defines the parameters of the road ahead of the electric vehicle and the dynamic condition so the vehicle calculates a racing line along the road ahead of the electric vehicle; wherein 
 the racing line is projected onto a windshield of the electric vehicle by the heads-up display. 
 
     
     
         69 . The apparatus of  claim 68  wherein:
 said software program further gathers information from said onboard camera to identify other vehicles on said road ahead of the electric vehicle to calculate an ideal passing line around said other vehicles; 
 wherein 
 said passing line is based on calculations of road conditions and vehicle dynamic parameters. 
 
     
     
         70 . The apparatus of  claim 68  wherein:
 said heads-up display further provides notification of required steering inputs in a graphical manner. 
 
     
     
         71 . The apparatus of  claim 68  wherein:
 said heads-up display provides notifications of required acceleration and deceleration inputs in a graphical manner. 
 
     
     
         72 . The apparatus of  claim 68  wherein:
 the software program compares vehicle speed and the rotational velocity of each wheel to determine if wheels are slipping; wherein 
 the racing line is altered to indicate a need for altered steering and braking to provide an ideal driving experience. 
 
     
     
         73 . The apparatus of  claim 68  further comprising:
 the software program configured to gather information from the electric vehicle onboard speedometer; and 
 an image of a speedometer reflecting said information, projected onto the windshield of the electric vehicle through the heads-up display. 
 
     
     
         74 . The apparatus of  claim 73  wherein:
 the image of the speedometer is an image of an ICE-performance-vehicle speedometer. 
 
     
     
         75 . The apparatus of  claim 68  further comprising:
 the software program configured to gather information from the electric vehicle onboard battery meter; and 
 an image of a battery meter that is projected onto the windshield of the electric vehicle through the heads-up display. 
 
     
     
         76 . The apparatus of  claim 75  wherein:
 the image of the battery meter is an image of an ICE-performance-vehicle gas gauge. 
 
     
     
         77 . The apparatus of  claim 68  further comprising:
 the software program configured to gather information from the electric vehicle onboard temperature gauge; and 
 an image of inside and outside temperature is projected onto the windshield of the electric vehicle through the heads-up display. 
 
     
     
         78 . The apparatus of  claim 77  wherein:
 the image of the temperature gauge is an image of an ICE-performance-vehicle temperature gauge. 
 
     
     
         79 . A method of performing the functions of the apparatus of  claim 68 , the method comprising:
 uploading heads-up display software to electric vehicle controller-area network; and   capturing road images ahead of vehicle from an onboard camera; and   capturing information from sensors in communication with the vehicles; and   defining road parameters including speed, traction and direction; and   calculating and projecting a racing line through the heads-up display.   
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79  further comprising:
 projecting images of electric vehicle gauges through the heads-up display. 
 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80  wherein:
 the images of electric vehicle gauges mimic the appearance of ICE-performance-vehicle gauges.